The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) Management Board is meeting in Lisbon this week, where it is addressing a range of strategic, operational and governance issues that will shape the future of the agency. The meeting, presided over by Chair Dr Franz Pietsch, will be the final session attended by the agency’s Executive Director, Alexis Goosdeel, whose mandate ends on 31 December.
Reviewing a decade of strategic delivery — A central item on the agenda is the review of implementation of the agency’s Strategy 2025, adopted by the Management Board in December 2016. This 10-year strategic framework has driven major developments in the agency’s scientific, operational and monitoring capacities. Board members will exchange views on the lessons learned and outcomes achieved.
Implementing the EUDA regulation — The Executive Director will also report on progress in implementing the EUDA regulation, with a focus on new systems and services designed to reinforce Europe’s preparedness and response capacity in the drugs field. New systems include the recently launched European Drug Alert System, EUDA Health and Security Threat Assessment System and Network of forensic and toxicological laboratories.
Reitox Alliance — A key item for decision will be the adoption of the EUDA Reitox Alliance, a new partnership framework between the EUDA and the national focal points of the Reitox network. Building on decades of shared experience, the alliance aims to strengthen cooperation, enhance preparedness and ensure a coordinated European response to emerging drug-related challenges. The new operating framework will replace the previous Reitox operating framework, functioning since 2003, and align the network’s activities with the EUDA’s new mandate.
Work programmes and budget — In the area of planning and finance, the Board will be asked to adopt the Single Programming Document for 2026–28, the 2026 work programme and budget. In addition, it will consider the preliminary draft programming document for 2027–29, including the preliminary draft budget for 2027.
EU and international cooperation — Discussions will cover EU and international partnerships. The outgoing Danish EU Presidency will present its conclusions, followed by a briefing from the upcoming Cypriot Presidency and an update from the European Commission on the EU Drugs Strategy and the EU Action Plan against drug trafficking. International cooperation items include the EUDA’s collaboration frameworks with Moldova and the United Kingdom and approval of a technical cooperation project with Peru. The agency will also present on its 2026 presidency of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Agencies’ Network and cooperation with civil society organisations.
Dialogue with incoming Executive Director — The Management Board will hold an exchange of views with incoming Executive Director, Dr Lorraine Nolan, ahead of her taking up the position on 1 January. Reflecting on the significance of this meeting, Chair of the Management Board, Dr Franz Pietsch, said:
‘Today marks both an ending and a beginning. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Alexis Goosdeel for his exceptional service — 35 years dedicated to European drug policy and a decade guiding the agency through profound transformation. Alexis’ integrity, vision and unwavering dedication have strengthened the agency and the European response to drugs. As we welcome Dr Lorraine Nolan, we look forward with confidence to the next phase of growth, innovation and impact.’
